South Korea Deportation “Limit” (Entry-Ban) Check Process

Philippine context, practical legal explainer — not legal advice.

1) Big picture

When someone is deported or ordered to depart from the Republic of Korea (ROK), Korea’s immigration authority (Korea Immigration Service, Ministry of Justice) may impose an entry restriction (often called an entry ban). Many Filipinos call this the “deportation limit” — i.e., how long you’re barred from re-entering Korea.

If you previously overstayed, worked without authorization, or were removed for another reason and now plan to apply for a Korean visa in the Philippines, you should check your entry-ban status first, then decide whether to (a) wait it out, or (b) ask Korea to reduce/lift the ban for a compelling reason.

2) Key terms (plain English)

Deportation / Forced removal (강제퇴거): Removal ordered by immigration due to a violation. Usually comes with a longer entry ban.
Departure Order (출국명령) / Voluntary departure: You exit under an order or self-report program. Ban may be shorter than deportation, but not always.
Entry Restriction / Entry Ban (입국규제): Period during which you cannot enter Korea (visa applications will be refused, and airline check-in can be blocked).
Ban Reduction / Waiver (입국규제 해제·완화): Discretionary relief to shorten or lift your ban for humanitarian or strong equity reasons.
Immigration Record / Entry-Exit Certificate (출입국사실증명): Certification of your Korea entries/exits. Helpful background but doesn’t, by itself, show your ban length.

New passport or name changes do not erase an entry ban. Korea links records through biometrics and prior passport data.

3) What typically triggers an entry ban

Overstay or unauthorized work
Criminal conviction or serious public-order concerns
Immigration fraud (fake documents, impostor entry, sham employment)
Breach of status (working on a tourist visa, violating employer/sponsor conditions)

Ban length is discretionary and depends on facts (severity, repeat violations, cooperation, fines paid). Do not assume a fixed number of years applies to everyone.

4) Where the Philippine angle fits

Because Filipinos apply for Korean visas at the Korean Embassy/Consulate in the Philippines, the practical workflow is:

Privately check if you’re entry-restricted (before filing a new visa).
If restricted, decide whether to wait for ban expiry or seek a reduction/waiver before lodging a visa (or together with it, via an invitation/sponsor).
If not restricted, proceed with the appropriate visa category and standard requirements.

5) How to check if you’re banned and until when

You (or a properly authorized representative) can verify through any one (or more) of these channels. You only need enough to decide your next step.

A) Direct inquiry with Korea Immigration Service (KIS)

Prepare:
- Full name, date of birth, nationality,
- Current passport number and the old passport number used in Korea,
- Alien Registration No. (if you ever held one),
- Date you departed or were deported, and any case/reference number,
- A scan of your passport bio page (they may ask).
Outcome: KIS can confirm whether an entry restriction exists and the end date (or that it is indefinite). They may require you to submit identity proofs via email/fax/portal and may decline third-party requests without a power of attorney.

B) Online account / portal assistance

If you previously had a HiKorea account or trusted credentials, you may be able to use online inquiry functions or secure messaging. Many former workers no longer have access; in that case, rely on A or C.

C) Authorized sponsor/representative in Korea

A Korean family member, employer, licensed immigration attorney/行政士, or invited sponsor can visit a local immigration office or use official channels with your written authorization (POA + passport copy).
They can request (i) confirmation of entry restriction and (ii) guidance on ban-reduction paperwork.

D) Through the Korean Embassy/Consulate (PH)

Visa counters won’t always do a pre-check on the spot, but if you apply (or submit a written inquiry with documents), the mission can query MOJ/KIS. This takes time and is best used when you’re already prepared to request a waiver/reduction with strong supporting documents.

Privacy note: You generally cannot check someone else’s ban without their signed authorization and ID.

6) Documents to have ready for any check or waiver

Current passport + old passport (the one you used in Korea)
Korean Alien Registration Card copy (if any)
Korean departure/deportation papers (if you received any)
Fine payment receipts (if you paid overstay/work fines)
NBI Clearance (Philippines) issued recently
Explanation/Affidavit describing what happened (dates, visa status, reason for violation, how it was resolved)
Evidence of ties to the Philippines (employment, business, school, family dependents)
If you have a Korean sponsor/inviter: invitation letter, guarantee (surety letter), ID copy, business registration (if a company), and proof of purpose (contract, medical appointment, funeral notice, etc.).
Translations to Korean by a competent translator for any non-English/Korean papers you rely on.

7) Deciding your route

Route 1 — Wait it out (ban expires)

Safest if your ban is short and your travel isn’t urgent.
Keep proof of fine settlement and clean records while you wait; a fresh NBI helps at the next visa.

Route 2 — Ask for reduction/waiver (before expiry)

Consider when you have humanitarian grounds (serious illness of immediate family, funeral), strong family ties (Korean spouse/child), important business with a compliant sponsor, or rehabilitation with good equities (length of time since violation, first offense, fines paid, stable job in PH).
This is discretionary; approvals are case-by-case and not guaranteed.

8) How to request ban reduction / lifting

You can pursue one of these paths (they often overlap):

Through a Korean sponsor: The sponsor files a request with KIS to lift/shorten your entry restriction, attaching your explanation, proofs, and their guarantee.
Through the Embassy/Consulate (PH): You file a visa application with a cover letter asking the Embassy to endorse a waiver request to MOJ/KIS (attach all supporting documents). The visa is put on hold pending KIS decision.
Direct filing (if you can access the portal or engage a licensed representative in Korea): Submit a waiver petition with attachments.

What to include:

Apology/explanation (what happened; remorse; why it won’t recur).
Proofs: fines paid; no criminal record; steady employment/business; family obligations; time elapsed since violation.
Sponsor guarantee: they will supervise your visit/stay, cover expenses, ensure timely departure, and report any breach.
Specific purpose & duration: short, credible, and supported by documents (itinerary, appointment letters, contracts).
Return-to-PH assurance: approved leave, employer letter, property/children/schooling commitments.

Expectations:

Decisions can take weeks to months; outcomes include grant, partial reduction, or deny.
Even if the ban is lifted, you still need to qualify for the visa you apply for.

9) Special scenarios

Voluntary departure vs. deportation: If you left under a departure order (not escorted deportation) and paid fines, your equities are generally better — highlight cooperation and clean history.
Indefinite or long bans (criminal cases): Relief is harder. Emphasize rehabilitation, time passed, and compelling humanitarian grounds. Legal counsel in Korea is advisable.
Mistaken identity / record errors: If you never violated rules but are flagged, request a record correction with KIS (submit identity proofs, prior fingerprints/ARC, and any evidence showing the mismatch).
Transit only: Entry bans can still cause airline off-load even for airside transit. Confirm with the airline in advance and be ready to re-route through another hub.
EPS/worker history: If your prior stay was under EPS or another work status, ensure your employer separation and exit were properly recorded; missing exit records can complicate checks.

10) What not to do

Do not apply repeatedly while banned without new grounds — denials create a negative trail.
Do not use fake documents, sham invitations, or conceal prior deportation; that risks permanent bans and criminal exposure.
Do not rely on fixers; only official channels and licensed professionals should handle your papers.

11) Philippine paperwork that strengthens your case

NBI Clearance (recent) +, if relevant, Police Clearance
Employment Certificate with salary, tenure, and approved leave dates
Business proofs (DTI/SEC, permits, tax)
Family civil registry (PSA marriage/birth certificates)
Medical documents for humanitarian grounds (doctor’s certificate, hospital requests)
Travel history (visas/stamps showing compliance in other countries)

Translate key documents to Korean where prudent; provide simple, well-labeled bundles.

12) Template language you can adapt

A) Entry-Ban Status Inquiry (email/letter)

Subject: Request to Confirm Entry Restriction Status – $Name], Filipino, Passport [No.]\
Dear Officer,\
I am a Filipino national who previously stayed in Korea from [dates]. I departed on [date] under [departure order / deportation]. I wish to confirm whether an entry restriction applies to me and, if so, its end date. Details: Full Name: [ $; DOB: $ $; Nationality: Philippines; Current Passport: [No., issue/expiry]; Previous Passport: [No.]; Alien Registration No.: [if any]. I attach a copy of my passport bio page and any prior decision/fine receipt. Thank you.

B) Ban Reduction/Lifting Request (sponsor version)

Subject: Request to Reduce/Lift Entry Restriction for [Name], Filipino, Passport [No.]\ To Whom It May Concern,\ I am [Sponsor name], [relationship/employer], resident in [address], contact [phone/email]. I respectfully request a reduction/lifting of the entry restriction on [Name], who seeks to visit Korea from [date] to [date] for [purpose]. - Reason/Equities: [first and only offense / fines paid on [date] / strong ties and stable job in PH / humanitarian need]. - Guarantee: I will supervise the visit, ensure compliance with all laws and visa conditions, and guarantee departure on time. Attached are my ID, business registration (if applicable), invitation letter, and supporting documents.

13) FAQs

Q: If my ban already expired, do I still need special permission? A: No special waiver is needed, but you still must qualify for a visa. Disclose your prior violation honestly and attach proofs that it’s resolved (fines paid, clean NBI).

Q: Will paying my fine remove the ban automatically? A: Not necessarily. Fine settlement is a positive factor, but the ban end date is separate. Always confirm with KIS.

Q: Can I check my friend’s ban for them? A: Only with their signed authorization and ID; immigration will not disclose another person’s status casually.

Q: Does a Korean spouse guarantee approval? A: It strengthens your equities, but deportation history still matters. A waiver/reduction may be needed first depending on the case.

Q: I left on my own (no escort). Am I still “deported”? A: Terminology matters. If you had a deportation decision, that’s deportation. If you complied with a departure order or a self-report program, stress that in your request; outcomes can differ.

14) Bottom line

Confirm first whether you’re entry-restricted and until when.
If restricted, choose between waiting or seeking a reduction/waiver with credible documents and (ideally) a Korean sponsor’s guarantee.
Be truthful, organized, and civil in all filings. Prior violations can be overcome with time, compliance, and strong equities — but there are no guarantees.

If you tell me what happened, when you left Korea, what papers you still have, and why you want to return, I can draft a tailored checklist and the exact cover letters you’ll need.